Do you come here often? Heart-warming image of gorilla making friends with duckling among wildlife photography award winners

It was a scene that perhaps wouldn't have made the final cut of King Kong.

This lowland gorilla shares a moment of quiet reflection with a tiny mallard duckling, who seems fairly nonplussed about being in the presence of one of nature's most powerful beasts.

The heart-warming image is among Nature's Best Photography
Magazine's wildlife photograph winners for 2010.

A stunning image of a frolicking bear in the woods and a dramatic scene of a hummingbird facing down a deadly viper were also among the winners of the competition, which received more than 25,000 entries.

The awards began with simple yet dynamic
goals: to celebrate the beauty and diversity of nature through the art
of photography, and to use it as a creative tool
for encouraging greater public interest in outdoor enjoyment and
conservation.

The annual Windland Smith Rice
International Awards programme is among the most highly-respected and visually compelling nature
photography competitions in the world. The Grand Prize was won by Tom Cairns for his shot of an Osprey grabbing a fish from a lake in southern Finland.

Zoos And Aquariums: Tom Warren

Western Lowland Gorilla and Mallard Duck, Bronx Zoo, New York, U.S.

'While
mallards are commonly found throughout North America and across
Eurasia, the peaceful, family-bound gorillas are highly endangered and
struggle with loss of habitat, poaching, and disease. Scientists are
working with the Republic of Congo government to establish a national
complex of protected areas. This zone is among the most important for
western lowland gorillas of equatorial Africa. The Bronx Zoo helps raise
funds for the Wildlife Conservation Society to protect these
magnificent primates.

'Upon
arriving at the Bronx Zoo's Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit, I noticed
there was an excitement among those viewing the animals. We all watched
with amazement as a tiny duckling wandered among the huge western
lowland gorillas, who eyed the fuzzy visitor with curiosity. The
duckling did not seem the least bit intimidated and for good reason, as
Africa's gentle giants eat mostly fruits and plants. How fortunate I was
to witness a wonderful moment between two unlikely friends.'

'Ospreys
are a major European conservation success story. The species has
recovered from its endangered status, breeding near fresh and salt
waterways throughout much of the continent a clear indication that
conservation efforts work. During summer months, these raptors may be
seen hunting over rivers, lakes, and estuaries before diving into the
water talons outstretched to catch their prey.

'While
photographing in southern Finland on assignment for the Wild Wonders of
Europe project, one of my goals was to document this behaviour. After
countless attempts, I was finally able to capture the moment as this
adult osprey plunged into the water, creating a massive explosion of
droplets. I managed just this one frame that featured the drama of the
fish trying to escape.'

'My goal on this winter trip to Alaska was to spend a full week photographing Bald Eagles. What immediately stood out to me about this composition was that the eagles resemble Olympic winners waiting for someone to hang the appropriate medals around their necks. The winner in the middle appears to literally be taking the younger eagle under his wing as he proudly holds up his head and puffs out his chest. It was a great moment that I was able to quickly compose and capture.'

'The
biggest lesson I have learned in photography is that timing is
everything. No matter how perfect your technique and equipment, if you
aren't in the right place at the right time, you simply won t get the
shot. In the underground caves of Antelope Canyon, I knew the summer sun
would pass directly overhead at midday. As my only opportunity for the
shot approached, a narrow sliver of light beamed down through a keyhole
onto the sandy canyon floor. At the precise moment I clicked the
shutter, my Navajo Indian guide threw a handful of dust into the light.
It wasn't until weeks later, when I finally got to review the results of
the shoot, that I was able to see the ghostlike human form that
emerged. I wondered if the ancient spirits of the canyon were present
with me that day.'

'For
two years I had envisioned making an image depicting hot air balloons
as though they are part of the great migration of white-bearded
wildebeest across Tanzania into Kenya. With the help of balloon pilot
friends, I gathered necessary information on wind direction and flight
path where the greatest concentration of animals might occur on each
day. Armed with that knowledge and lots of patience, I captured this
image when all the elements aligned.'

'The
African Wildlife Foundation aims to find ways to enable elephants to
roam freely through their natural habitats while co-existing peacefully
with humans.

'While
observing elephants in Tsavo, I was focused on an older female the
matriarch of the group. Her raised head and spread ears show that she
was alert and watchful. The photographic challenge here was to capture
the moment of eye contact in a sharp close-up before she moved on.
Because her skin was so dark, I turned the ISO up to increase the
shutter speed. This portrait symbolizes the elephant s strength and the
solidarity of the clan.'

'Even
for those accustomed to wave photography, some explanation is needed to
understand exactly what is going on in this shot: A breaking wave is
just a few feet in front of the lens. Beyond the wave is the deep ocean.
Where is the beach? It is behind me.

'A
half-second after this shot was made, the wave hit me straight on,
knocking the camera out of my hand and pulling me into the spinning mass
of air and water. I enjoy the power and beauty of the thick bombs that
roll through and can usually capture some of those moments without
getting slammed. Well, most of the time.

'Kilauea
is the youngest and southeastern-most volcano on the Big Island of
Hawaii. This was one of the most dangerous locations I have ever dared
photograph. The 2,000 F river of lava was flowing over an unstable bench
that had broken out from a tube located just below my feet. I made the
decision to cross the lava tube to get to the edge knowing that at any
moment rocks from the steamy explosions could come flying my way. I took
a calculated risk and as the sun rose, the light was perfect for a few
shots. Glad I took the chance at getting some photos, I am also glad
that I left when I did. Almost all the land in the image dropped into
the ocean just a few hours later.'

Wolf Tracks on Ice, North Fork of the Koyukuk River, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska, U.S.

'This
symbolic image represents the past history of the wolf species and the
path of its future as it treads on thin ice a visual metaphor for
steps made forward and the tracks left behind in the climate of ongoing
controversy.

'I
was mushing up the North Fork of the Koyukuk River with park ranger
Zack Richter when we stopped to give the sled dogs a rest. Looking
around on the bare ice, I saw these wolf prints clinging to the sheer
ice. A wolf had passed through when there was a thin layer of snow on
the ice and the stiff wind had blown away loose snow, leaving the prints
behind. Seeing those tracks added to the magic of being in such a wild
place in the cold of winter.'

'Polar
bears live on top of Arctic sea ice, where they mate and raise their
young. Excellent swimmers, they hunt along coastlines mainly for seals
and also prey upon walrus, belugas, narwhals, and seabirds. The world s
largest terrestrial carnivores are indicators of the ecosystem s health.
Due to the effects of climate change, shrinking habitat, and an
increase in pollutants in northern waters, their future is uncertain.

'From
the frigid waters of the Arctic, this polar bear climbed onto an ice
floe for a rest before returning to the water to hunt for food. Water
streamed off the bear as it lumbered across the frozen stage and I
followed intently through my camera. While grasping onto a ledge the
mighty predator shook to and fro, sending a spray of water droplets in
all directions.'

'Tiny,
vibrantly coloured hummingbirds are a favourite among wildlife lovers.
Of 338 known species, roughly 50 types of these flying jewels live or
breed in the tropical lowlands and cloud forests of Costa Rica, where
arboreal vipers also live amid the thick foliage.

'I
was photographing hummingbirds when I heard the sharp, alarming noise
of the birds reacting to the presence of a predator. Sixty feet away
from me this green-crowned brilliant was fearlessly attacking a small
viper. The long shutter speed and shallow depth of field made it
difficult to make an image with both animals sharp. This encounter was
one of the most interesting ones I had ever seen, and I quickly set up
two flashes to increase the light and shutter speed, using one flash
fired from the background and another from the camera.

Ms Mittermeier said: 'In the end, my goal as a conservation photographer is to make images
that are compelling enough to travel far and become iconic symbols for a
world that is fast disappearing. Supporting my fellow photographers and
their own determined efforts is
truly rewarding, and now my life's mission is to help build a better
planet.'

Sony
DSLR-A900; lens at 16mm; 1/500 sec at ƒ/9; ISO 250; Sony flash.

Animal Antics: James A. Galletto (below left)

Black Bear, Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, Orr, Minnesota, U.S.

'The
black bears of North America are known to communicate using their keen
sense of smell, body and facial expressions, sounds, and touch. Males
mark the boundaries of their territory by scent-marking trees.

'This
black bear repeatedly scent-marked this particular tree, so I
positioned myself nearby and waited. I knew it was just a matter of time
before he would appear and commence marking and scratching his back.
This grand pose with his arms outstretched struck me as humorous it
looked as if he were a circus ringmaster commanding attention with
"Ladies and gentlemen!".'

'I
was driving from Mammoth Hot Springs toward Lamar Valley on the only
open road in Yellowstone, trying to stay ahead of an approaching cold
front. This bison was relatively close to the road and its clean
appearance caught my attention. The blustery wind of the approaching
winter storm kept its weather-beaten coat free of snow and gave it a
smooth, brushed look. Seeking to capture an environmental portrait, I
observed this individual for a short period of time. The bison turned
its head in my direction to get shelter from the wind and I had my
image. When the storm hit later that evening, I was sure this bison was
now blanketed in snow.'

'These
slender, long-legged amphibians are barely five inches long. The
traction of their claw-like fingers and toes that end in adhesive disks
allows them to grip the undersides of slick, wet leaves. One of more
than 300 species of arboreal frogs, the Mediterranean tree frog can be
found throughout the sunny gardens, streams, and canals of southern
France, Spanish Catalonia, southwestern Spain, and southern Portugal.
They breed mainly in flooded fields and ponds. During mating season,
their distinctive chorus begins at sunset and usually continues until
the early hours of the morning. Most active at night, these frogs are
not good climbers but get around most easily near the ground.

'Two
different pictures of the same tree frog perched then leaping through
the air were joined together using Adobe Photoshop to compose a single
image that artistically displays the acrobatic action of
puddle-jumping.'

'The orangutan is the largest Asian primate and also the largest tree-dwelling mammal. They teach their young at an early age to forage through the dense forest for food more than 60 percent of their diet is comprised of fruits, and they consume a variety of leaves, bark, sap, roots, flowers, birds eggs, and insects as available. With more of their tropical habitat being destroyed every day, especially by palm oil development, the species is being squeezed into smaller and smaller areas of remaining natural rain forest. At the current rate of deforestation, the wild orangutans are predicted to be extinct in fewer than 20 years.

'Being the only surviving species of great ape endemic to Asia, the Bornean and the Sumatran orangutan are highly endangered. After spending many days in the heat and humidity of the rain forest, I was finally rewarded with the images I had hoped for. This mother and her young sat quietly for many minutes before this photo was made. The juvenile placed his finger on his mother s lower lip in a very gentle way. After a few seconds, the mother wrapped her hand around her son s hand and I caught this tender, intimate moment between parent and young.'

Wildflowers, Carrizo Plain National Monument, San Luis Obispo County, California, U.S.

'The Carrizo Plain in the eastern San Joaquin Valley is the largest single native grassland in California. Stretching along the base of the Temblor Mountains and the San Andreas Fault, its 250,000 acres provide a wide range of habitats, making it ideal for long-term conservation of many endangered species, as well as rare flora and fauna. The re-establishment of native plants is being studied and planned in this rural, isolated region to save such species as the California jewelflower. The Carrizo Plain was established as a national monument in 2001.

'During a short time each spring, usually in March, the hills of the Carrizo Plain are painted as if by the strokes of an artist s brush with a soft, pastel palette. I was greeted on my visit by weather perfect for photographing the stunning vista of yellow coreopsis, orange San Joaquin blazing star, and purple phacelia flowers in full bloom.'

'Chilling winds from Antarctica roar off the Southern Continental Icefield, causing these mountain passes to be frequently shrouded with dense clouds. Chilean flamingos inhabit the shallow lakes of South America, from the coast of central Peru south to the 14,000-foot altitudes of the Andes in Tierra del Fuego. These birds withstand fierce conditions en route to feeding grounds in the grasslands and saline lakes of Argentina. During flight, the Chilean flamingos communicate with each other by making loud, deep honking or howling sounds.

'My reward after climbing high into Chilean Patagonia was this juxtaposition of pink flamingos against the severe hanging glaciers and soaring granite spires of the Horns of Paine. I wanted to photograph the high elevations at eye level and the trek up into the mountains required much planning and logistics to battle the elements. The Chilean flamingos had been feeding on a dried lakebed nearby when part of the flock took to the sky and circled overhead. I fired off a sequence of shots in an attempt to show the relationship between the birds and their spectacular, wild habitat. My favourite image came as the birds passed an area of spiked mountain peaks against the menacing, stormy sky, with a glacier visible in the distance.'